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Tomatoes can be ripened by placing them in a paper bag or wrapping them in newspaper. Exposure to ethylene gas is necessary for ripening, and adding other ripe produce can expedite the process. Regularly check tomatoes for viability and discard any that are cracked, soft, or moldy.
There are a few methods that can be used to ripen tomatoes that have been removed from the vine too early. One of the best known ways is to place the tomatoes in a paper bag to speed up the ripening process. A large-batch method, which can also help preserve tomatoes, involves wrapping each individual fruit in newspaper and then leaving it in a dark area. A tomato can also be placed on a windowsill in the hot sun to aid the ripening process, even though sunlight is not necessary for the fruit to ripen. Ripe tomatoes can also be made with the help of other already ripe fruits and vegetables.
A necessary factor for the ripening of tomatoes is exposure to ethylene gas. Ethylene is emitted from many fruits and vegetables as they ripen. Tomatoes emit ethylene gas as they turn red and process the water and sugar contained within. In commercial settings, entire crates of tomatoes are rapidly ripened by placing them in a room flooded with a high concentration of ethylene gas and sometimes carbon dioxide. Using extremely high volumes of ethylene to ripen tomatoes, however, usually only affects the surface of the fruit and leaves the insides hard, which is why a gradual method is best for truly ripe tomatoes.
When a tomato is placed in a paper bag, the ethylene it naturally produces is held close to the tomato and encourages the fruit to ripen. This method can be expedited by adding other ripe produce, such as bananas or apples, although the exact type of produce added could affect the flavor of the tomato, so vegetables such as onions should be avoided. Wrapping tomatoes individually in newspaper can have a similar effect, although ripe tomatoes will develop more slowly, allowing them to be stored for a longer period of time. A second effect of paper bags or newspapers is to remove excess moisture from ripening tomatoes so they don’t rot or start developing surface mold.
Regardless of the method you use to ripen your tomatoes, it’s important to check your tomatoes regularly to make sure they’re still viable. Cracked, soft, or moldy tomatoes should be separated from all other tomatoes and discarded, because they will quickly cause other tomatoes to rot as well. Also, tomatoes shouldn’t be too tightly packed in a bag or container, partly because they could crush the fruit to the bottom and partly because they will create a favorable environment for mold and insects.
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